Acne

What is acne?

Acne is the term for the pimples and breakouts that trouble many teenagers, adults, and even some young children. Pimples mostly develop on the face, but they can often be found on the neck, chest, back, and upper arms as well. Acne is only a skin problem, and typically has nothing to do with your general health.

What are the causes?

Acne occurs when a pore in the skin becomes clogged by dead skin cells. Normally, dead skin cells rise to the surface of a pore, where it is shed by the body. When your body produces a lot of sebum (oil that prevents our skin from drying out), it can cause dead skin cells to combine and stick together. When this happens, these cells become trapped inside of the pore instead of rising to the surface. This causes acne to develop. Pores can also become clogged by the bacteria that lives on our skin, p. acnes. Bacteria thrives in pores; once inside it will quickly multiply. With an abundance of bacteria inside a pore, it becomes inflamed and your skin will appear red and swollen. If the inflammation is deep enough, acne cysts or nodules will develop.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you have a lot of acne, cysts, or nodules, at-home treatments won’t always be enough to do the trick. In these cases, it is best to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can provide you with a prescription for topical treatments and medication. Topicals are applied directly to the skin, and some kill bacteria while others reduce oil. Your dermatologist will be able to determine if topical medicine containing a retinoid, prescription-strength salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics will help your skin the most. Medication that works throughout the body may be needed if you have red, swollen types of acne, cysts, and nodules. Antibiotics help to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria. Isotretinoin is a very powerful prescription that typically works on all forms of acne. Women may be prescribed birth control pills or other medications that work on hormones.

How is acne treated?

In order to effectively treat acne, it should be properly diagnosed by a dermatologist (like Dr. Melanie Haynes). There are other skin conditions that can look like acne, so it is important for a dermatologist to:

Request treatments in Pinellas Park, Florida

Recurring or stubborn acne can be incredibly frustrating for patients, but with the right care and treatment, it can be managed. Learn to manage and love the skin you’re in. Request an appointment online or call (727) 545-3376 to schedule directly with the experts at Skin Wellness Center.